Control Of Media Transcoding During A Media Session

ABSTRACT

There is provided mechanisms for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. The method is performed by a network node. The method comprises obtaining, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices. The method comprises controlling transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments presented herein relate to a method, a network node, a computer program, and a computer program product for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. Embodiments presented herein further relate to a method, a media transceiver device, a computer program, and a computer program product for receiving media of a media session.

BACKGROUND

In communications networks, there may be a challenge to obtain good performance and capacity for a given communications protocol, its parameters and the physical environment in which the communications network is deployed.

For example, one parameter in providing good performance and capacity for a given communications protocol in a communications network is the ability to communicate media (such as video, audio, and/or text) in a media session between at least two media transceiver devices.

The media session involves a negotiation and establishment procedure. In general terms, current negotiation and establishment of media sessions between peers (where each peer is a media transceiver device) in communications networks are based on mutual agreement of the peers on what type of media coding will be used for encoding and decoding the media of the media session.

This agreement is based on a mutual exchange of device capabilities (also known as media or capability negotiation), in terms of what video, audio, and/or text coding each media transceiver device is able to use. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Session Description Protocol (SDP), which is embedded into the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Call Control Protocol H.245, which is embedded into the H.323 standard. Determination of which codec to use is based on preference. However, the H.323 standard does not specify what this preference is. Another option is to lower the media quality for all peers to decrease the data size.

Hence, there is still a need for improved media session negotiation.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments herein is to provide efficient media session negotiation.

According to a first aspect there is presented a method for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. The method is performed by a network node. The method comprises obtaining, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices. The method comprises controlling transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a second aspect there is presented a network node for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. The network node comprises processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the network node to obtain, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the network node to control transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a third aspect there is presented a network node for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. The network node comprises processing circuitry and a computer program product. The computer program product stores instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, causes the network node to perform steps, or operations. The steps, or operations, cause the network node to obtain, from at least one of the media transceiver devices. an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices. The steps, or operations, cause the network node to control transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a fourth aspect there is presented a network node for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. The network node comprises an obtain module configured to obtain, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices. The network node comprises a control module configured to control transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a fifth aspect there is presented a computer program for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media 3 o transceiver devices, the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on processing circuitry of a network node, causes the network node to perform a method according to the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect there is presented a method for receiving media of a media session. The method is performed by a media transceiver device. The method comprises providing an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node. The method comprises receiving media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a seventh aspect there is presented a media transceiver device for receiving media of a media session. The media transceiver device comprises processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the media transceiver device to provide an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node. The processing circuitry is configured to cause the media transceiver device to receive media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to an eighth aspect there is presented a media transceiver device for receiving media of a media session. The media transceiver device comprises processing circuitry and a computer program product. The computer program product stores instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, causes the media transceiver device to perform steps, or operations. The steps, or operations, cause the media transceiver device to provide an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node. The steps, or operations, cause the media transceiver device to receive media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a ninth aspect there is presented a media transceiver device for receiving media of a media session. The media transceiver device comprises a provide module configured to provide an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node. The media transceiver device comprises a receive module configured to receive media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy. The transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

According to a tenth aspect there is presented a computer program for receiving media of a media session, the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on processing circuitry of a media transceiver device, causes the media transceiver device to perform a method according to the sixth aspect.

According to an eleventh aspect there is presented a computer program product comprising a computer program according to at least one of the fifth aspect and the tenth aspect and a computer readable storage medium on which the computer program is stored. The computer readable storage medium can be a non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

Advantageously these methods, these network nodes, these media transceiver devices, and these computer programs provide efficient media session negotiation by the network node controlling the media transcoding of the media session between the at least two media transceiver devices.

Advantageously these methods, these network nodes, these media transceiver devices, and these computer programs result in energy efficient operation of the media transceiver devices.

Advantageously these methods, these network nodes, these media transceiver devices, and these computer programs can be beneficial to the media session longevity.

Advantageously these methods are applicable for different types of media transceiver devices; from legacy mobile phones only capable of handling low-quality audio and text to current generation smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. capable of handling also high-quality audio and video.

Advantageously the functionality of the network node can be implemented as part of existing standards and/or media session management nodes.

It is to be noted that any feature of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth seventh, eight, ninth, tenth and eleventh aspects may be applied to any other aspect, wherever appropriate. Likewise, any advantage of the first aspect may equally apply to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, tenth, and/or eleventh aspect, respectively, and vice versa. Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The inventive concept is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication system according to embodiments;

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 are flowcharts of methods according to embodiments;

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are signalling diagrams according to embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing functional units of a network node according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of a network node according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing functional units of a media transceiver device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of a media transceiver device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 14 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description. Any step or feature illustrated by dashed lines should be regarded as optional.

As noted above, there is a need for improved media session negotiation.

The embodiments disclosed herein therefore relate to mechanisms for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices. In order to obtain such mechanisms there is provided a network node, a method performed by the network node, a computer program product comprising code, for example in the form of a computer program, that when run on processing circuitry of the network node, causes the network node to perform the method.

The embodiments disclosed herein further relate to mechanisms for receiving to media of a media session. In order to obtain such mechanisms there is provided a media transceiver device, a method performed by the media transceiver device, and a computer program product comprising code, for example in the form of a computer program, that when run on processing circuitry of the media transceiver device, causes the media transceiver device 300 a to perform the method.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communications system too where embodiments presented herein can be applied. The communications system too comprises a network node 200 and at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b.

The media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b are configured to establish a media session between them. The media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b are further configured to be aware of their current energy reserves (i.e. as a percentage of the total battery level or estimated time remaining until such energy reserves are depleted), and more particularly, their current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session. Each media transceiver device 300 a, 300 b may have an associated consumption and media capability profile comprising information of which media types are preferable for the media session based on the energy reserve level. Examples of media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b include, but are not limited to, 3 o portable wireless devices, mobile stations, mobile phones, handsets, wireless local loop phones, user equipment (UE), smartphones, laptop computers, and tablet computers. According to an embodiment one of the media transceiver devices 300 b is configured to stream media to the other media transceiver device 300 a and hence act as a media server during the media session. That is, at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a is a media playback device and at most one of the media transceiver devices 300 b is a media server. Hence, the below description is applicable also where one of the one of the media transceiver devices 300 b is configured as a media server.

The network node 200 comprises a Media Stream Controller (MSC) functionality 200 a. The network node 200 could optionally comprise also a Media Stream Processor (MSP) functionality 200 b. The MSC functionality and the MSP functionality can thus be collocated in the same physical nodes or in separate physical nodes

The MSC functionality and the MSP functionality work together in order to initiate media coding in new sessions or modify media coding in ongoing media sessions between the at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b based on current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b involved in these media sessions.

The MSC functionality is responsible for controlling the media transcoding process based on the above defined allocation of energy and consumption profiles of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b participating in the media session. Selection of a codec is performed by the MSC and from a component denoted Media Session Manager (MSM) 200C. The MSM is thus aware of the above defined allocation of energy of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b participating in the media session. The network node 200 could further comprise a database good, denoted a Consumption Profile database, for storing consumption profiles.

The MSP functionality performs the actual transcoding of the media. The 3 o MSP functionality accepts transcoding enforcement directives from the MSC functionality, either for a new media session or an ongoing media session. Each transcoding enforcement directive comprises instructions on starting, stopping or modifying media transcoding for a particular media session. In this respect the MSP comprises a Media Transcoding Function (MTF) 200 e implementing the transcoding functionality. The functionality of MTF is only required for codec transcoding (See Table 2 below). In case there is no transcoding required (See Table 1 below), then the functionality of the MTF is not needed.

The embodiments disclosed herein are based controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b based on current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in this at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b with an end-goal to preserve the longevity of the media session to the greatest extend possible. Detailed operations of the network node 200 and the playback devices 300 a, 300 b for controlling media transcoding of the media session between the at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b will now be disclosed.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b as performed by the network node 200. FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods for receiving media of a media session as performed by the media transceiver device 300 a. The methods are advantageously provided as computer programs 1420 a, 1420 b.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 illustrating a method for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b as performed by the network node 200 according to an embodiment.

S102: The network node 200 obtains, from at least one of the media 3 o transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in this at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b.

S104: The network node 200 controls transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device 300 a, 300 b. The transcoding comprising either conversion (of the media) from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion (of the media) from a first media type to a second media type. Examples of such conversions will be described below.

The network node 200 is thereby configured to decide which set of codecs to allocate to the media session, for example based on the battery level of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b participating in the media session. The set of codecs can be renegotiated during the media session and can involve transformation of the media session from one of higher quality (e.g. video and audio) to one of lower quality (e.g. still images or text).

Embodiments relating to further details of controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b as performed by the network node 200 will now be disclosed.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 illustrating methods for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b as performed by the network node 200 according to further embodiments. It is assumed that steps S102, S104 are performed as disclosed above and a thus repeated description thereof is therefore omitted.

There may be different ways for the network node 200 to control the transcoding of the media session. Different embodiments relating thereto will now be described in turn.

As disclosed above, the transcoding can comprise conversion (of the media) from a first media format to a second media format of same media type (e.g., from a first video format to a second video format, or from a first audio format to a second audio format). Hence, according to a first embodiment the network node 200 is configured to perform step S104 a as part of step S104:

S104 a: The network node 200 instructs the media transcoding function to transcode the media to be delivered to the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b from the first media format to the second media format. The second media format requires lower allocation of energy for playback than the first media format.

As further disclosed above, the transcoding can comprise conversion (of the media) from a first media type to a second media type (e.g., from a video format to an audio format, from a video format to a text format, or from an audio format to a text format). Hence, according to a second embodiment the network node 200 is configured to perform step S104 b as part of step S104:

S104 b: The network node 200 instructs the media transcoding function to transcode the media to be delivered to the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b from the first media type to the second media type. The second media type requires lower allocation of energy for playback of the media than the first media type.

There may be further different ways for the network node 200 to control the transcoding of the media session. Different embodiments relating thereto will now be described in turn.

According to some aspects the network node 200 continues the media session when controlling the transcoding of the media session. Hence, according to a first embodiment the network node 200 is configured to perform step S104 c as part of step S104

S104 c: The network node 200 continues the media session without termination when controlling the transcoding of the media session.

According to some aspects the network node 200 instead terminates the media session when controlling the transcoding of the media session. Hence, according to a second embodiment the network node 200 is configured to perform step S104 d as part of step S104:

S104 d: The network node 200 terminates the media session before controlling the transcoding of the media session.

The network node 200 the needs to initiate a new media session to allow the media transfer between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b to continue. Hence, according to this second embodiment the network node 200 is configured to perform step S104 e as part of step S104:

S104 e: The network node 200 initiates, upon having controlled the transcoding of the media session, a new media session between the at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b so as to continue the media session.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 illustrating a method for receiving media of a media session as performed by the media transceiver device 300 a according to an embodiment.

S202: The media transceiver device 300 a provides an indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device 300 a to the network node 200.

The network node 200 controls transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the media transceiver device 300 a as in step S104. The media transceiver device 300 a therefore receives media of the media session as in step S204:

S204: The media transceiver device 300 a receives media of the media session. Transcoding of the media session has, by the network node 200, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy. As disclosed above, the transcoding comprises either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.

Embodiments relating to further details of receiving media of a media session will now be disclosed.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 illustrating methods for receiving media of a media session as performed by the media transceiver device 300 a according to further embodiments. It is assumed that steps S202, S204 are performed as disclosed above and a thus repeated description thereof is therefore omitted.

As disclosed above, there may be different ways for the network node 200 to control the transcoding of the media session. Likewise, there may be different ways for the media transceiver device 300 a to receive the media of the media session. A first embodiment disclosed above involves the network node 200 to continue the media session without termination when controlling the transcoding of the media session. Hence, according to a first embodiment the media transceiver device 300 a is configured to perform step S204 a as part of step S204:

S204 a: The media transceiver device 300 a continues the media session without termination when having the transcoding of the media session controlled by the network node 200.

A second embodiment disclosed above involves the network node 200 to terminate the media session when controlling the transcoding of the media session. Hence, according to a second embodiment the media transceiver device 300 a is configured to perform step S204 b as part of step S204:

S204 b: The media transceiver device 300 a receives instructions to terminate the media session before having the transcoding of the media session controlled by the network node 200.

The second embodiment disclosed above involves the network node 200 to initiate a new media session when controlling the transcoding of the media session. Hence, according to the second embodiment the media transceiver device 300 a is configured to perform step S204 c as part of step S204:

S204 c: The media transceiver device 300 a receives initiation of a new media session between so as to continue the media session upon having the transcoding of the media session been controlled by the network node 200.

Further embodiment for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b as performed by the network node 200 and for receiving media of a media session as performed by the media transceiver device 300 a applicable to both the methods performed by the network node 200 and the media transceiver device 300 a will now be disclosed.

Information as how to control the transcoding of the media session is, according to an embodiment, based on a stored media transcoding consumption profile and a stored media capability profile of the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. The media transcoding consumption profile and the media capability profile is collectively denoted a Consumption and Media Capability Profile

According to some aspects the media transceiver device 300 a is allowed to provide updates to its media capability profile. Hence, according to an embodiment the media transceiver device 300 a is configured to perform step S206:

S206: The media transceiver device 300 a stores an update to the media capability profile of the media transceiver device 300 a.

Whether to allow the media transceiver device 300 a to store such updates can be under the discretion of the network node 200. It could further be under the discretion of the network node 200 to select whether such an update will take effect for currently running media sessions, or only for new media sessions initiated after the update has been stored by the media transceiver device 300 a.

Further aspects of the Consumption and Media Capability Profile will be disclosed next.

Upon Session Initiation, the network node 200 requests consumption profiles from the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b participating in the media session. These consumption profiles are hereinafter referred to as Consumption and Media Capability Profiles (CMCPs). The CMCPs can be stored in a Consumption Profile database. Table 1 below shows two example CMCPs for two types of media transceiver devices, which could be stored in this database. MP4 is short for MPEG-4 Part 14, where MPEG is short for Moving Picture Experts Group, 4K refers to a display device or content having horizontal resolution on the order of 4000 pixels, EVS is short for Enhanced Voice Services, iLBC is short for Internet Low Bitrate Codec, EFR is short for Enhanced Full Rate codec, AMR is short for the Adaptive Multi-Rate codec, GSM-FR is short for the Global System for Mobile communications Full Rate codec, The CMCP Profile 1 could be used by a media transceiver device representing a contemporary smartphone. The CMCP Profile 2 could be used by a media transceiver device representing a legacy mobile phone.

TABLE 1 CMCPs for two different type of media transceiver devices; the codec preferences as displayed are given as non-limiting examples. CMCP Profile 1 CMCP Profile 2 Codec by order of Codec by order of Power preference per Power preference per Reserve medium Reserve medium 100%-80% Video [MP4 4K, MP4 100%-20% Audio [EFR, of total 1080] of total GSM-FR] Audio [EVS, G.711] 80%-60% Video [MP4 480p] 20%-0.1% Audio [GSM-FR] of total Audio [iLBC, EFR] of total 60%-5% Video [MP4 240p] 0.1% or less NOTIFY_PEERS of total Audio [EFR, AMR, of total [“Power Depleted”], GSM-FR] END_SESSION 5%-1% Audio [EFR] of total 1%-0.5% NEW_SESSION[Text of total Messaging] 0.5% or less NOTIFY_PEERS of total [“Power Depleted”], END_SESSION

The codecs are listed by media type and in brackets the preferred sequence. At different power levels different media can be supported. The “NEW_SESSION[Text Messaging] option” means that if the media transceiver device reaches levels of 1%-0.5% of total power reserve, then a new messaging session will be established to replace older power-consuming audio and/or video session. If the power is less than 0.5% on the media transceiver device having CMCP Profile 1 or 0.1% on the media transceiver device having CMCP Profile 2, the media session will be denied, with all media transceiver devices being notified (e.g. via SMS) that power of the media transceiver device is critically low.

There can be different ways for the network node 200 to obtain the indication of current allocation of energy in step S102 from the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, and conversely, for the media transceiver device 300 a to provide the indication in step S202. The indication of current allocation of energy can be obtained by the network node 200 polling the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b for the indication of current allocation of energy, by the network node 200 periodically receiving the indication of current allocation of energy without polling the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, or by the network node 200 receiving the indication of current allocation of energy each time the indication of current allocation of energy passes a threshold value. The threshold value could correspond to the media transceiver device 300 a changing a power reserve band; hence one threshold value can be provided for each transition between power reserve bands.

The selection of codec or transcoding of one codec to another could, as well as the session type (i.e. video, audio, messaging, or combination of these), could then depend on the CMCPs of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b involved in the media session. Tables 2 and 3 give some examples, based on the CMCPs presented in Table 1.

TABLE 2 Media codec choice examples based on the CMCP profiles and power reserve level of two media transceiver devices involved in a media session. Peer power re- serve as per- centage of total reserve [First media transceiver Trans- device and Sec- coding ond media trans- Chosen Function ceiver device] Codec Enabled Choice Rationale 85% and 89% MP4 4K No Both media transceiver video devices support MP4 4K, codec/EVS have it as first preference audio codec for video sessions and are in the same power reserve band 75% and 50% MP4 240p No Video codec choice is video based on the first video codec/EFR codec preference of the audio codec media transceiver device in the lowest power reserve band. This video/audio codec preference has to be supported by all other media transceiver devices (regardless if they are currently on a higher power reserve band) 74% and 4% Video not No Power reserve of one of possible the media transceiver due to devices is substantially critically low. Video session cannot low be initiated, or can no battery/ longer be supported; MTF EFR audio transcodes media codec 25% and 0.7% Text No Power reserve of one of Messaging the media transceiver devices is critically low; MTF transcodes media, or initiates a messaging only session

TABLE 3 Media codec choice examples based on the CMCP profiles and power reserve level of two media transceiver devices involved in a media session. Peer power re- serve as per- centage of total reserve [First media transceiver Trans- device and Sec- Chosen coding ond media trans- Codec function ceiver device] from MSM enabled Choice Rationale 85% and 25% GSM-FR No Choice is based on the media transceiver device in the lower power band, and on the preferred codec of that media transceiver device (where this coded is also supported by the other media transceiver device) 4% and 80% EFR to Yes Even though the first media GSM-FR transceiver device supports the GSM-FR codec, it is not possible to use it because the power reserve level of the first media transceiver device is too low. Therefore, MTF transcodes EFR to GSM + FR

There are different kinds of media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. According to an embodiment the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is battery operated. The indication of current allocation of energy could then represents a current battery level of the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. According to other embodiments the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is operated by means of solar power.

One or more of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b could be plugged into a wall socket, and therefore charging. Hence, according to an embodiment the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is connected to an external power source that electrically charges the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. In this case, the network node 200 may consider controlling transcoding of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, if applicable, using the assumption that all media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b that are charging are in the highest power reserve band (regardless of their current reserve). Thus, according to this embodiment, as a result of the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is connected to an external power source that electrically charges the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b the indication of current allocation of energy is defined to have a value given by highest available level of allocation of energy for media transcoding in the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. Further, this embodiment can be triggered when the network node 200 has established that the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b has been charging for a while (for example a phone charging for at least 20 minutes). In some scenarios this embodiment is thus only applicable if the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b has been charged for a minimum predetermined amount of time or reached a predetermined minimum level of charging.

If there are two or more media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b from which the indication of current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session is received in step S102 has lowest current allocation of energy of all media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b.

There can be different ways for the network node 200 to obtain the indication of current allocation of energy in step S102 and for the media transceiver device 300 a to provide the indication in step S202. According to an embodiment the indication of current allocation of energy is provided in a Real-time Transport Protocol Control Protocol (RTCP) packet. In this respect, the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network protocol for delivering audio and video over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. The RTP control protocol (RTCP) is part of the RTP protocol based on periodic transmission of control packets to all participants in the media session.

Two ways for introducing the indication of current allocation of energy in RTCP packets will now be disclosed.

According to a first example, the indication of current allocation of energy is carried in a RTCP Sender Report and a RTCP Receiver Report

Besides having a header field, a sender (or receiver) information field, and report block field, there is in the RTCP Sender Report also an extension field. This extension field can be used for efficient transmission of the the indication of current allocation of energy.

According to a second example, the indication of current allocation of energy is carried in an Application-Defined RTCP Packet. An application-defined RTCP Packet is a special RTCP packet for carrying application specific information.

Since the network node 200 may continuously collect the current allocation of energy for the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b, it is possible for the network node 200 to store such data in a device property profile in a database. According to some aspects the network node 200 is configured to store parameters such as device model, device age, device media codec, time, device location, device age, currently run applications on device, power consumption of applications, etc., and then predict how long media session can continue using the current settings based on the current allocation of energy and parameters stored in the database, or predict how long the media session can continue using other settings. The network node 200 can be configured to make predication about how long an ongoing media session can last based on the current allocation of energy and the data in the database. Hence, according to an embodiment the network node 200 is configured to control the transcoding of the media session based on a stored device property profile of the at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. According to some aspects the network node 200 is configured to play an audio announcement to the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b for notification in case the media session is predicted to last shorted than a system defined threshold based on the current allocation of energy.

Aspects of session initiation will now be disclosed with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a signalling diagram for session initiation between a network node 200 and two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. Here, a first of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE1 and a second of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE2.

S301: UE1 initiates a new media session by sending a message Initiate_Session [UE2 address, CMCP of UE1, Battery level of UE1] to the MSC.

S302: The MSC updates the CMCP for UE1 based on the received CMCP of UE1.

S303: The MSC request the CMCP and battery level from UE2.

S304: UE2 responds with an acknowledgement (ACK) message ACK [CMCP of UE2].

S305: The MSC updates the CMCP for UE2 based on the received CMCP of UE2.

S306: The MSC selects a codec for the media session based on the parameters: CMCP for UE1, the CMCP for UE2, and the battery levels of UE1 and UE2.

If a codec cannot be found for the parameters step S307 is entered.

S307: The MSC issues a notification message Notify [“No Session Possible”] to UE1.

If a codec can be found for the parameters step S308 is entered.

S308: The MSC issues a message Transcoding Enforcement [Chosen Codec] to the MSP to enforce transcoding of the media session.

S309: The MSP responds with an acknowledgement (ACK) message.

S310: The MSC relays the new media session to UE2 in a message Relay_Session [UE2 address].

S311: UE2 responds to the MSC with a media session acknowledgement message Session_Acknowledged.

S312: The MSC relays the Session_Acknowledged message to UE1.

S313: The media session is ongoing between UE1 and UE2 with transcoding performed by the MSP when needed.

Aspects of updating the CMCP profile for a media transceiver device 300 a will now be disclosed with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a signalling diagram for updating the CMCP profile for a media transceiver device 300 a. Here, the media transceiver device is denoted UE1.

Steps S401-S404 represents a scenario where UE1 initiates the update.

S401: UE1 sends the battery level and optionally its current CMCP to the MSM in a message Update [Battery Level and optionally CMCP].

S402: The MSM provides the updated CMCP for UE1 to the CMCP database in a message Update UE1 CMCP.

S403: The CMCP database responds with an ACK message.

S404: The MSM sends an ACK message to UE1 to confirm that the CMCP database has been updated.

Steps S405-S408 represents a scenario where the MSM initiates the update.

S405: The MSM polls UE1 for updated data of UE1 by sending a message Request for Update to UE1.

S406: UE1 responds with a message Update [Battery Level and optionally CMCP] to the MSM.

S407: The MSM provides the updated CMCP for UE1 to the CMCP database in a message Update UE1 CMCP.

S408: The CMCP database responds with an ACK message.

Aspects of CMCP and battery information update during an ongoing media session will now be disclosed with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a signalling diagram for CMCP and battery information update between a network node 200 and two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. Here, a first of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE1 and a second of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE2.

S501: The MSC obtains and updated CMCP profile and current battery level of UE1.

S502: The MSC obtains and updated CMCP profile and current battery level of UE2.

S503: The MSC selects a codec for the media session based on the CMCP for UE1, the CMCP for UE2, and the battery levels of UE1 and UE2.

S504: User plane communication between UE1 and UE2 continues.

S505: The MSC instructs UE1 to tear down the current media session.

S506: UE1 informs UE2 that the current media session is torn down.

S507: UE2 responds to UE1 with an ACK message.

S508: UE1 responds to the MSC with an ACK message that the current media session has been torn down.

S509: The MSC initiates a media session in a message Initiate_session [chosen codec] to UE1 with the codec selected in step S503.

S510: UE1 initiates the media session with UE2 and with the chosen codec by sending a message Initiate_session [UE2, chosen codec] to the MSC.

S511: The MSC forwards the message Initiate_session[UE2, chosen codec] to UE2.

S512: UE2 responds to the MSC with an ACK message.

S513: The MSC responds back to UE1 with an ACK message.

S514: User plane communication between UE1 and UE2 is ongoing with the chosen codec.

The MSC obtains an indication that transcoding of the media in the media session is necessary and therefore performs steps S515-S525:

S515: The MSC instructs UE1 to tear down the current media session.

S516: UE1 informs UE2 that the current media session is torn down.

S517: UE2 responds to UE1 with an ACK message.

S518: UE1 responds to the MSC with an ACK message that the current media session has been torn down.

S519: The MSC sends a transcoding enforcement for the media session between UE1 and UE2 to the MSP. The transcoding enforcement identifies a new codec for UE1 and the previously chosen codec for UE2.

S520: The MSP responds with an ACK message.

S521: The MSC initiates a media session in a message Initiate_session [chosen codec for UE1] to UE1 with the new codec chosen for UE1 in step S519.

S522: UE1 initiates the media session with UE2 by sending a message Initiate_session [UE2] to the MSC.

S523: The MSC in response to having received the message Initiate_session [UE2] from UE1 sends a message Initiate_session[UE2, chosen codec for UE2] to UE2.

S524: UE2 responds to the MSC with an ACK message.

S525: The MSC responds back to UE1 with an ACK message.

S526: User plane communication between UE1 and the MSP is ongoing with the codec chosen for UE1.

S527: The MSP performs transcoding between the codec used by UE1 and the codec used by UE2 and user plane communication between the MSP and the UE2 is ongoing with the codec chosen for UE2.

Aspects of prediction notifications will now be disclosed with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a signalling diagram for notifications of predictions between a network node 200 and two media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. Here, a first of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE1 and a second of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b is denoted UE2.

S601: UE1 initiates a new media session by sending a message Initiate_Session [UE2 address, CMCP of UE1, Battery level of UE1] to the MSC.

S602: The MSC updates the CMCP for UE1 based on the received CMCP of UE1.

S603: The MSC request the CMCP and battery level from UE2.

S604: UE2 responds with an acknowledgement (ACK) message ACK [CMCP of UE2].

S605: The MSC updates the CMCP for UE2 based on the received CMCP of UE2.

S606: The MSC relays the new media session to UE2 in a message Relay_Session [UE2 address].

S607: UE2 responds to the MSC with a media session acknowledgement message Session_Acknowledged.

S608: The MSC relays the Session_Acknowledged message to UE1.

S609: The media session is ongoing between UE1 and UE2 with transcoding performed by the MSP when needed.

S610: The MSC predicts how long the media session can last based on the current battery status of UE1.

S611: The MSC predicts how long the media session can last based on the current battery status of UE2.

S612: The MSC notifies the MSP to play an announcement to UE1 and UE2 regarding the predicted length of the media session.

S613: The MSP plays an audio announcement about the predicted time the media session can last to UE1.

S614: The MSP plays an audio announcement about the predicted time the media session can last to UE2.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional units, the components of a network node 200 according to an embodiment. Processing circuitry 210 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 1410 a (as in FIG. 14), e.g. in the form of a storage medium 230. The processing circuitry 210 may further be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Particularly, the processing circuitry 210 is configured to cause the network node 200 to perform a set of operations, or steps, S102-S104, as disclosed above. For example, the storage medium 230 may store the set of operations, and the processing circuitry 210 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 230 to cause the network node 200 to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions. Thus the processing circuitry 210 is thereby arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed.

The storage medium 230 may also comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

The network node 200 may further comprise a communications interface 220 for communications at least with media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b. As such the communications interface 220 may comprise one or more transmitters and receivers, comprising analogue and digital components and a suitable number of antennas for wireless communications and ports for wireline communications.

The processing circuitry 210 controls the general operation of the network node 200 e.g. by sending data and control signals to the communications interface 220 and the storage medium 230, by receiving data and reports from the communications interface 220, and by retrieving data and instructions from the storage medium 230. Other components, as well as the related functionality, of the network node 200 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional modules, the components of a network node 200 according to an embodiment. The network node 200 of FIG. 11 comprises a number of functional modules; an obtain module 210 a configured to perform step S102, and a control module 210 b configured to perform step S104. The network node 200 of FIG. 11 may further comprise a number of optional functional modules, such as any of an instruct module 210C configured to perform step S104 a, an instruct module 210 d configured to perform step S104 b, an continue module 210 e configured to perform step S104 c, a terminate module 210 f configured to perform step S104 d, and an initiate module 210 g configured to perform step S104 e.

In general terms, each functional module 210 a-210 g may be implemented in hardware or in software. Preferably, one or more or all functional modules 210 a-210 g may be implemented by the processing circuitry 210, possibly in cooperation with functional units 220 and/or 230. The processing circuitry 210 may thus be arranged to from the storage medium 230 fetch instructions as provided by a functional module 210 a-210 g and to execute these instructions, thereby performing any steps of the network node 200 as disclosed herein.

In general terms, the network node 200 may be provided as a standalone device or as a part of at least one further device. For example, the functionality of the network node 200 can be implemented as an additional feature of the Multimedia Resource Function of the Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). Alternatively, functionality of the network node 200 may be distributed between at least two devices, or nodes. These at least two nodes, or devices, may either be part of the same network part or may be spread between at least two such network parts. Specifically, the MSC functionality and the MSP functionality described above can be implemented to extend functionality of the existing Multimedia Resource Function Controller (MRFC) and Multimedia Resource Function Processor (MRFP), respectively, in the IMS. Further, the network node 200 could be physically located on a device, such as on a media transceiver device 300 a, 300 (and hence not on a server). In this way, two media transceiver device 300 a, 300 b (where at least one of the media transceiver devices 300 a, 300 b implements the functionality of such a network node 200) can communicate in a peer-to-peer fashion without the media being routed through a dedicated server for transcoding in the communications system 100.

Thus, a first portion of the instructions performed by the network node 200 may be executed in a first device, and a second portion of the of the instructions performed by the network node 200 may be executed in a second device; the herein disclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular number of devices on which the instructions performed by the network node 200 may be executed. Hence, the methods according to the herein disclosed embodiments are suitable to be performed by a network node 200 residing in a cloud computational environment. Therefore, although a single processing circuitry 210 is illustrated in FIG. 10 the processing circuitry 210 may be distributed among a plurality of devices, or nodes. The same applies to the functional modules 210 a-210 g of FIG. 11 and the computer program 1420 a of FIG. 14 (see below).

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional units, the components of a media transceiver device 300 a according to an embodiment. Processing circuitry 310 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product 1410 b (as in FIG. 14), e.g. in the form of a storage medium 330. The processing circuitry 310 may further be provided as at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

Particularly, the processing circuitry 310 is configured to cause the media transceiver device 300 a to perform a set of operations, or steps, S202-S206, as disclosed above. For example, the storage medium 330 may store the set of operations, and the processing circuitry 310 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 330 to cause the media transceiver device 300 a to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions. Thus the processing circuitry 310 is thereby arranged to execute methods as herein disclosed.

The storage medium 330 may also comprise persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

The media transceiver device 300 a may further comprise a communications interface 320 for communications at least with the network node 200. As such the communications interface 320 may comprise one or more transmitters and receivers, comprising analogue and digital components and a suitable number of antennas for wireless communications and ports for wireline communications.

The processing circuitry 310 controls the general operation of the media transceiver device 300 a e.g. by sending data and control signals to the communications interface 320 and the storage medium 330, by receiving data and reports from the communications interface 320, and by retrieving data and instructions from the storage medium 330. Other components, as well as the related functionality, of the media transceiver device 300 a are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates, in terms of a number of functional modules, the components of a media transceiver device 300 a according to an embodiment. The media transceiver device 300 a of FIG. 13 comprises a number of functional modules; a provide module 310 a configured to perform step S202, and a receive module 310 b configured to perform step S204. The media transceiver device 300 a of FIG. 13 may further comprises a number of optional functional modules, such as any of a continue module 310 c configured to perform step S204 a, a receive module 310 d configured to perform step S204 b, a receive module 310 e configured to perform step S204 c, and a store module 310 f configured to perform step S206.

In general terms, each functional module 310 a-310 f may be implemented in hardware or in software. Preferably, one or more or all functional modules 310 a-310 f may be implemented by the processing circuitry 310, possibly in cooperation with functional units 320 and/or 330. The processing circuitry 310 may thus be arranged to from the storage medium 330 fetch instructions as provided by a functional module 310 a-310 f and to execute these instructions, thereby performing any steps of the media transceiver device 300 a as disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 shows one example of a computer program product 1410 a, 1410 b comprising computer readable means 1430. On this computer readable means 1430, a computer program 1420 a can be stored, which computer program 1420 a can cause the processing circuitry 210 and thereto operatively coupled entities and devices, such as the communications interface 220 and the storage medium 230, to execute methods according to embodiments described herein. The computer program 1420 a and/or computer program product 1410 a may thus provide means for performing any steps of the network node 200 as herein disclosed. On this computer readable means 1430, a computer program 1420 b can be stored, which computer program 1420 b can cause the processing circuitry 310 and thereto operatively coupled entities and devices, such as the communications interface 320 and the storage medium 330, to execute methods according to embodiments described herein. The computer program 1420 b and/or computer program product 1410 b may thus provide means for performing any steps of the media transceiver device 300 a as herein disclosed.

In the example of FIG. 14, the computer program product 1410 a, 1410 b is illustrated as an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc. The computer program product 1410 a, 1410 b could also be embodied as a memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and more particularly as a non-volatile storage medium of a device in an external memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a Flash memory, such as a compact Flash memory. Thus, while the computer program 1420 a, 1420 b is here schematically shown as a track on the depicted optical disk, the computer program 1420 a, 1420 b can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product 1410 a, 1410 b.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended patent claims. 

1-29. (canceled)
 30. A method for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices, the method comprising a network node: obtaining, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of a current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices; and controlling transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device, the transcoding comprising either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of a same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.
 31. The method of claim 30: wherein the controlling the transcoding of the media session comprises instructing a media transcoding function to transcode the media to be delivered to the at least one of the media transceiver devices from the first media format to the second media format; and wherein the second media format requires lower allocation of energy for playback than the first media format.
 32. The method of claim 30: wherein the controlling the transcoding of media session comprises instructing a media transcoding function to transcode the media to be delivered to the at least one of the media transceiver devices from the first media type to the second media type; and wherein the second media type requires lower allocation of energy for playback of the media than the first media type.
 33. The method of claim 30, further comprising continuing the media session without termination when controlling the transcoding of the media session.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the controlling the media transcoding comprises: terminating the media session before controlling the transcoding of the media session; and initiating, upon having controlled the transcoding of the media session, a new media session between the at least two media transceiver devices so as to continue the media session.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein the indication of the current allocation of energy is obtained: by polling the at least one of the media transceiver devices for the indication of current allocation of energy, by periodically receiving the indication of current allocation of energy without polling the at least one of the media transceiver devices, or by receiving the indication of current allocation of energy each time the indication of current allocation of energy passes a threshold value.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein how to control the transcoding of the media session is based on a stored media transcoding consumption profile and a stored media capability profile of the at least one of the media transceiver devices.
 37. The method of claim 30, wherein how to control the transcoding of the media session is based on a stored device property profile of the at least one of the media transceiver devices.
 38. The method of claim 30: wherein the at least one of the media transceiver devices is battery operated; and wherein the indication of current allocation of energy represents a current battery level of the at least one of the media transceiver devices.
 39. The method of claim 30: wherein the at least one of the media transceiver devices is connected to an external power source electrically charging the at least one of the media transceiver devices; and wherein as a result thereof the indication of the current allocation of energy is defined to have a value given by highest available level of allocation of energy for media transcoding in the at least one of the media transceiver devices.
 40. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one of the media transceiver devices has lowest current allocation of energy of all of the at least two media transceiver devices.
 41. A method for receiving media of a media session, the method comprising a media transceiver device: providing an indication of a current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node; and receiving media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy, the transcoding comprising either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.
 43. The method of claim 41, further comprising continuing the media session without termination when having the transcoding of the media session controlled by the network node.
 43. The method of claim 41, further comprising: receiving instructions to terminate the media session before having the transcoding of the media session controlled by the network node; and receiving initiation of a new media session between so as to continue the media session upon having the transcoding of the media session been controlled by the network node.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein the indication of the current allocation of energy is provided: by being polled by the network node, by periodically providing the indication of current allocation of energy without being polled by the network node, or by providing the indication of current allocation of energy each time the indication of current allocation of energy passes a threshold value.
 45. The method of claim 41, further comprising storing an update to a media capability profile of the media transceiver device.
 46. The method of claim 41: wherein the media transceiver device is battery operated; and wherein the indication of the current allocation of energy represents a current battery level of the media transceiver device.
 47. The method of claim 41: wherein the media transceiver device is connected to an external power source electrically charging the media transceiver device; and wherein, as a result thereof, the indication of the current allocation of energy is defined to have a value given by highest available level of allocation of energy for media transcoding in the media transceiver device.
 48. A network node for controlling media transcoding of a media session between at least two media transceiver devices, the network node comprising: processing circuitry; and memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the network node is operative to: obtain, from at least one of the media transceiver devices, an indication of a current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the at least one of the media transceiver devices; and control transcoding of the media session according to the current allocation of energy of the at least one media transceiver device, the transcoding comprising either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type.
 49. A media transceiver device for receiving media of a media session, the media transceiver device comprising: processing circuitry; and memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the media transceiver device is operative to: provide an indication of a current allocation of energy for performing playback of the media session in the media transceiver device to a network node; and receive media of the media session, wherein transcoding of the media session has, by the network node, been controlled according to the current allocation of energy, the transcoding comprising either conversion from a first media format to a second media format of same media type, or conversion from a first media type to a second media type. 